The Humane Society of the United States is launching the Shelters Rock campaign to bring attention to National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, which runs from November 2 to November 8 this year. Over 30 recording artists, including Carole King, are lending their names and thoughts to spread awareness about the work done at animal shelters.

Carole King volunteers as a dog walker at the no-kill Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley in Hailey, Idaho.

“I was only going to be a walker. Who was I kidding? After just a few walks, Maya and I adopted each other!”

In partnership with the initiative, cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, a member of the HSUS board of directors, will be making references to Shelters Rock and the supporting musicians in his popular comic strip “Mutts”. So watch your newspaper’s comic strip section for any Carole King references this week.

The dedicated workers and volunteers at the thousands of animal shelters across the country play a crucial but often underappreciated role in our communities. To honor them, The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, is proud to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week 2008.

Now in its 12th year, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach on the first full week of every November. This year, the week of gratitude for their service will run from Nov. 2-8.

The theme this year is Shelters Rock, and more than 30 recording artists — including Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, Carole King, Hilary Duff and rapper Heavy D — are lending their names to spread awareness about the great work done by animal shelters. To see all the artists and read their personal thoughts about animals and shelters, go to humanesociety.org/sheltersrock.

The Shelters Rock campaign is being sponsored by G by GUESS. For two weeks, beginning Oct. 30, all G by GUESS stores will sell exclusive Shelters Rock T-shirts and tote bags. G by GUESS will donate 100 percent of net profits from T-shirt sales, and $5 for every tote bag purchased to benefit The HSUS’ Companion Animals programs and Humane Society Youth. T-shirts will also be available at GbyGUESS.com. Public launch parties to kickoff the Shelters Rockcampaign will be held at all store locations on Oct. 30 from 4-8 p.m.

During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Patrick McDonnell, a longtime supporter of shelters and a member of The HSUS’ board of directors, themes his beloved cartoon strip “MUTTS” as “Shelter Stories” to raise awareness of animals in shelters and to encourage adoption. This year, all his “Shelter Stories” strips for the week of Nov. 2 mention Shelters Rock and have musical references. He’s also designeda Shelters Rock logo that you can see here.

The HSUS urges people to acquaint themselves with their local animal shelters and to encourage their friends and family to do the same. Millions of animals are currently awaiting adoption by a loving household. There are approximately 4,000 shelters in the United States, but only a small percentage of pets are adopted in this manner. For more information on how you can show your appreciation for your local shelter this week — and year-round — please click here.

“The HSUS is extremely proud of the selfless work performed at animal shelters each day and is thrilled to have G by GUESS and so many amazing artists willing to show their support,” says Cory Smith, HSUS program manager of Animal Sheltering Issues.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Established in 2007, G by GUESS is a new retail concept targeting young adults. G by GUESS carries apparel, accessories and footwear, using a retro California and Old Hollywood inspiration to design a unique, casual collection. G by GUESS currently operates thirty stores in the United States. For additional information, online shopping and updates, visit GbyGuess.com.